NYSC, NSCDC lament drowning of corps members

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Bayelsa State have lamented the death of corps members in boat mishaps at the weekend.
The two agencies raised the concern when the new state Commandant, NYSC, Mrs. Loto Bolade, paid a courtesy visit to the state Commandant of the NSCDC, Desmond Agu, in Yenagoa, the state capital.
Corps members serving in some riverine communities in the state have been dying following boat mishaps.
But Agu urged NYSC authorities to impress it upon youths participating in the scheme, especially those posted to the coastal areas to always make use of life jackets when travelling.
He said: “Bayelsa State has a different terrain. It is 70 per cent water.
“So, always tell the corps members to carry their life jackets and wear them whenever they are travelling. Even if they can swim, they should not be over-confident.
“NYSC should also ensure that they are constantly in touch with youths posted to remote areas.
“Always keep in touch with the youths and ensure that their employers are treating them well.”
Agu said his command will always contribute to the success of NYSC programmes in the state by providing the needed security.
He advised all federal agencies should work together in the discharge of their duties.
Bolade said NYSC was working hard to ensure that members of the corps posted to rural areas in the state were given life jackets.
“We will continue to talk to the corps members posted to the riverine areas to always wear their life jackets. We will keep talking to them,” she said.
Bolade, who was redeployed from Niger State, thanked the NSCDC for its cooperation especially in the areas of security.
She appealed for more support and demanded security presence at the Kaiama camp for the forthcoming orientation programme.